A fortnight on from their previous game, Musselburgh Athletic returned to action with a difficult fixture away at high-flying Kelty Hearts.

The Fife outfit have surprised many in the junior game with their great start to the season, and were unbeaten in their first seven league outings – this after narrowly avoiding relegation last time around.New Burgh boss Stevie McLeish could hardly have picked a tougher game for his first time in charge.

McLeish named a strong team, and his bench included debutant Steven MacDonald, the 25-year-old ex-Haddington striker who had signed for previous manager Davie McGlynn some months ago but had newly returned from several months in the US. MacDonald was one of three in the squad who’d worked under McLeish at Haddington, the others being Brian Martin and skipper Jackie Myles.

Musselburgh started in promising fashion but it was Kelty who came close to opening the scoring on five minutes, their latest signing Sean Grady from Bonnyrigg Rose unlucky not to claim his first goal for his new team when his header came crashing back off the bar. Burgh, though, looked stronger in midfield and were playing some nice football before they took an 18th-minute lead following a flowing move – Michael Hunter stroked the ball beyond keeper Allison for his third of the season.

There was no doubt McLeish’s men deserved their lead and they continued to hold the upper hand for much of the remainder of the first half – Musselburgh ought to have extended their lead, but wayward finishing let them down on several occasions. Had they been more clinical in front of goal they’d have found themselves in a very comfortable position, but as it was they found themselves on level terms at the interval after Kelty equalised through Craig O’Reilly, the former Newtongrange Star striker, who sent a low drive past Ally Adams.

After such an encouraging first-half performance, there was no reason for Musselburgh to be apprehensive. Kelty, however, looked to have been galvanised by strong words from their management and they went ahead on 50 minutes following a quick break, Grady at the back post claiming his first goal for his new club. Eight minutes later, Grady netted again, good passing play affording him the opportunity to make it 3-1 in Kelty’s favour.

By no means were Burgh outclassed, but again they stumbled repeatedly in front of goal and any prospects of a comeback were put to bed when O’Reilly’s second goal of the game made it 4-1, the striker’s shot from 25 yards too much for Adams.

There was no further scoring, and the afternoon’s disappointment for Musselburgh was added to when Myles was sent off in injury time after picking up a second booking.

McLeish was philosophical in defeat, recognising that chances must be taken against opposition of Kelty’s quality. The hosts were stronger in the second half and there were no complaints from the Burgh party at the final whistle.

An equally stiff test awaits the Olive Bank men on Saturday when they visit Newtongrange Star, second in the table behind Kelty and also unbeaten.